It’s the splendiferous occasion of my 41st year of existence today, so duly I took the day off work (I mean, Mondays suck at the best of times, why spoil your birthday?) and spent the morning lolling in bed reading lots of new books.

Mid morning my sister and nephews arrived with vouchers (destined to be spent on vegetable seedlings) and (above) this very groovy camera, an early 60′s Kodak Colorsnap 35 Model 1 which is officially the start of my new collection of old cameras. Because I don’t collect enough stuff already.

To add to the present extravaganza, Miss 10.2 bought me a lovely Clarins giftset (well, her daddy bought it; she blued her last round of pocket money on a $2 Christmas Tree and the latest “Total Girl” magazine…) and the OH kindly let me have a nice sum of credit on the credit card, with which I purchased one of these beauties online this afternoon: a Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II -which is a “prime” lens – photography jargon for “fixed focal length but big aperture” – a must have for photography boffins! So excited!

All this excitement continues with lunch at a local cafe with the Other Harf, followed by more reading and (truth be told) a short yet delicious nana nap.

And behold, (as per left) there was CAKE, which was chocolate with strawberries on top, accompanied by lots of cream; all at the earlier than usual cake-time of 5.30 so Miss 10.2 and Niece G could have some before going off to Guides at 6 o’clock.

Then Mum and Dad arrived with four gorgeous hanging baskets – talk about mind-reading; I had been thinking about making some from scratch, but no need now. And look how pretty they are!

Next? The OH is cooking dinner: Mozzarella and Tomato Salad, Beef Wellington with new potatoes, green beans and baby carrots, and pouring me lots and lots wine.

Perfect birthday with lovely prezzies from my wonderful family! I am so lucky